Darley’s dynamic forward line claimed another victim on Saturday with the Devils running rampant against Melton South.
Despite entering enemy territory, Darley looked right at home in the fixture at Melton Recreation Reserve, streaking to a 77-point win, 24.11 (155) – 11.12 (78).
Rhys Ellis was the pick of the Darley forwards, booting seven goals in a clear best-on-ground performance.
Harley Inglis chimed in with five goals of his own, while Steven Kennedy and Dane Grenfell kicked three each.
Darley football manager Phil Campbell was rapt with the forward line’s output.
“You always hear the AFL coaches saying you can’t have only one avenue to goal,”
he said. “Having multiple goal kickers has been a bit of a strength for us in the forward line this year.
“If they shut one down, someone else will step up, so we always get guys chipping in with one or two goals.”
Saturday’s haul was the best of the year for Ellis, who tallies 20 goals from his seven matches.
Campbell praised the key forward for putting in the extra work on the training track.
“He’s putting in so much time there, working on his goal kicking,” he said. “He’s always at training early and leaving late, so it’s great to see him get the rewards.”
The Devils controlled Saturday’s match from the outset, booting seven first-quarter goals to take a 31-point lead at quarter-time then adding another 16 majors across the next three quarters.
Although under constant pressure, the Panthers did manage to make the most of their forward 50-metre entries. Melton South had 23 scoring shots, with Jordan Sinclair’s three goals a highlight.
The weekend’s win maintains Darley’s place in fourth spot on the BFL ladder, the Devils holding a 5-2 record. They have the perfect chance to continue the winning streak
against the struggling Sebastopol this
weekend.
“We just need to keep working on the same things; we don’t really want the opposition to determine how we play,” Campbell said.
Melton South will continue searching for its second win of the year with the Panthers set to take on East Point.
